Big changes are coming to the world of Married at First Sight. The Kinetic Content-produced series will have new experts in Season 20, Variety has exclusively announced. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson, and Dr. Pia Holek will not be returning.
“We are excited to embark on a whole new chapter in the MAFS journey with our partners at Peacock. We are excited about the future and honored to work with Dr. Pepper, Pastor Cal, and Dr. Pia,” said Kinetic Founder and CEO Chris Koren. “Dr. Pepper has been with us from the beginning, and Pastor Cal joined shortly after. Their unwavering wisdom, insight, and passion have been a guiding light for us throughout the season.”
Schwartz, a sociologist, has been on the series since its debut in 2014, while Roberson, a marriage counselor, joined season four in 2016. Horek, an intimacy and relationship expert, joined the show for season 15 in late 2022.
See what each expert has to say below.
Dr Pepper Schwartz
Participating in “Married at First Sight” was one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life. We are deeply grateful to the entire Kinetic Content and production team for their vision, trust, and dedication to creating a series that thoughtfully explores modern relationships and marriage. We’ve spent 19 seasons, almost 13 years, working together to make this franchise a reality.
My fellow professionals and the amazing staff behind the scenes. We appreciate your cooperation, care, and dedication in helping us tell these stories with depth and integrity. This work has always been a true team effort.
To singles and couples: Thank you for your generosity, courage, and willingness to take extraordinary leaps of faith. It is no small thing to allow yourself to be seen in such a vulnerable light. It was an honor to walk with you at such a pivotal moment in your life.
As I step down, I leave with great pride in what this franchise has accomplished and deep confidence in its future. I leave this post feeling grateful and optimistic, knowing that the foundation we have laid will continue to evolve and inspire.
I am excited to move on to a new project with the lessons, relationships, and memories from this amazing experience.
Pastor Calvin “Cal” Roberson
Serving as a spiritual advisor and relationship coach for Married at First Sight has been one of the great honors of my life. I am deeply grateful to Kinetic Content and the entire production team for their trust, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to telling this love story with love and intention.
Thank you to the experts, staff, and everyone behind the scenes who poured their heart and soul into this series, creating a space where vulnerability, growth, and faith in love can truly exist.
Most importantly, I would like to thank all those who have the courage to sign up for “MAFS”. You allowed me to be present at the most sacred moments of my life, and I never took it lightly. Your courage, integrity, and willingness to believe in the process have reminded me again and again why this work is important. Thank you for trusting us with your love story.
When I walk away, I do so with all my heart. I’m grateful for the journey so far, proud of what we’ve built together, and hopeful for what lies ahead in this series. I carry the torch with love and faith, and I believe that this work will continue to impact people’s lives in powerful ways.
This is not a farewell. It’s a new and exciting chapter. I am overjoyed at the doors God has already opened and forever grateful for the seasons we have shared.
Dr. Pia Horek
I absolutely loved my time on Married at First Sight and got to work with and become friends with some of the franchise’s originals like Dr. Pepper and Reverend Cal. I am proud of the time I spent with each person who had the courage to take this step to find love. A huge thank you to Kinetic Content, all of our amazingly talented producers, and our entire production staff for their dedicated and important work in telling meaningful stories while creating television magic.
I focus on clinical work and educational projects centered around mental health, interpersonal relationships, and intimacy, while prioritizing time with my family.
“Married at First Sight” also had eight spinoffs, moving from Lifetime to Peacock in season 19 and remaining there until the next season, 20. New experts will be announced at a later date.
